What is media literacy?

Media Literacy describes the capacity to see, comprehend, assess, and produce media material. It requires thinking critically and thoroughly comprehending media messages’ production, dissemination, and consumption. Media literacy is crucial in today’s digital world, where individuals are inundated with information from many sources, such as social media, news channels, and advertising. Being media savvy allows people to recognize how media messages are put together, who generates them, and what motivations can be at play, allowing people to understand the meanings and intentions underlying media material. This makes it easier for people to decide what material to consume and how to interact. Evaluate and assess media material: People with media literacy can critically analyze and assess media information for accuracy, bias, and relevance. This makes it easier for people to distinguish between reality and fiction and to base their judgements on solid knowledge.

Why is it important? 

Media literacy is crucial because it helps foster critical thinking, allowing people to assess and analyze media content and identify bias, propaganda, and false information. This makes it easier for people to make wise judgements and lowers the chance of being swayed by erroneous or misleading information. The ability to create and share media material responsibly while simultaneously respecting the rights of others’ privacy and intellectual property can be achieved through media literacy. This encourages a good and secure online community. The ability to navigate the complicated and continuously changing media world, make educated decisions, and practise responsible digital citizenship are all made possible by having a solid media literacy foundation.

Why is it dismissed?

Media literacy can be dismissed as some individuals might not understand what it is or how important it is, which causes them to write it off as useless.  Media literacy may question people’s preexisting worldviews and ideas, which may cause them to reject it as unneeded or even dangerous. Some individuals may have mistaken ideas about what media literacy comprises, which might lead them to believe that it is censorship or propaganda. Media literacy is an essential talent in the digital age and ignoring it can have significant repercussions, including the spread of disinformation and the decline in democratic participation. It is crucial to encourage media literacy as an essential aspect of responsible digital citizenship and to increase awareness of its value.

 Why should you aim for varied views but the factual consensus in your PLN?

It is possible to extend your perspectives and confront your presumptions and biases by having a diversity of viewpoints in your learning network (PLN). Exposure to many views may also aid in the development of empathy and understanding, resulting in relationships with others that are more fruitful and polite. It’s crucial to check that the information you are receiving is accurate and correct, though. Consensus among trustworthy sources can aid in determining the integrity of data and lower the chance of being duped by incorrect or biased information.